A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
-- Chinese Proverb

Dear friends,

I am excited to announce that I am participating in the American Lung Association® of the Northwest's 13th annual CLIMB FOR CLEAN AIR. This July, I will be climbing the second highest peak in the continental US, Mount Rainier, with the guidance of mountaineering guru, Lou Whittaker. Although it is not exactly "a thousand miles" (more like 14,411 feet), it is still necessary to begin with a single step - and that is why I am writing to you.

In order to fulfill this life long dream of climbing Mt. Rainier, I need the help of individuals like you to help sponsor me in my endeavors. Rather than climbing Mt Rainier solely for personal reasons, I have pledged to raise $3,500 by May 1st of this year to help aid the American Lung Association® of the Northwest in their fight against lung disease.

How the American Lung Association® of the Northwest will put your contribution to use:

• In helping to bring greater attention to and fight the increasing air pollution in our area.
• Helping to prevent lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, tuberculosis and cystic fibrosis. These various forms of lung disease accounted for 32% of infant deaths, making it the number one killer of babies under the age of one.
• Helping to reduce tobacco use, especially among young people, which is responsible for 419,000 deaths in the US each year. Tobacco causes more deaths than cocaine, heroin, alcohol, homicide, suicide, traffic accidents, fires and AIDS combined.

I hope you will find it worthwhile to aid me in completing my conquest, and supporting the American Lung Association® of the Northwest - the first step was to contact you - the next step is yours to take. Any amount of contribution would be greatly appreciated; however, anyone that donates $50 or more will receive a 5x7 photo of me at the summit - exhausted, freezing, hungry, and most of all - ELATED!! If you are part of a business or corporation, I would also be more than happy in carrying with me a lightweight banner with your logo on it, to photograph with me at the summit - to demonstrate your support.

You can sponsor in whichever format is most convenient for you - cash, check (made payable to the American Lung Association® of the Northwest), or credit card (see enclosed form). All donations will receive an official receipt and remember that all contributions are 100% tax-deductible. For more information on how to donate or the climb itself, you can also visit my website at www.CleanAirAdventures.org

Thank you in advance for all of your support and generosity. Regardless of my excitement to embark on this adventure, I realize that I could not do this without all of your help and any contribution whatsoever is greatly appreciated.